More than 550 miles of the Appalachian Trail wind across Virginia.
Hello,
The NOBO (northbound) Appalachian Trail thru-hiker bubble has mostly moved beyond Virginia, making this one of my favorite times to hike the iconic white-blazed trail.
The views are just as spectacular, but with fewer crowds. This inspired me to share five AT hikes I return to again and again, plus three can’t-miss knob hikes. Let’s go.
In this week’s newsletter:
🥾 Five Appalachian Trail hikes worth every mile
⛰️ Three Virginia knob hikes with unforgettable views.
🧭 Ranger-led state park hikes happening this weekend
Here’s to your next great hike. I’ll look for you on the trail.
—Erin Gifford 🥾
P.S. Need more July inspo? If you haven’t yet, get my free hike planner with 52 hikes mapped to every week of the year.
Buzzard Rock in Damascus, Virginia
Appalachian Trail: 5 Hikes Worth Every Mile
Virginia is home to more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state, with more than 550 miles winding through mountains, forests, and Shenandoah National Park.
If you're looking to experience this iconic trail, these five hikes are excellent places to start. They are also five of my favorites.
🥾 Raven Rocks (Bluemont)
In Northern Virginia, this 5.1-mile hike follows a scenic stretch past streams and rock scrambles before reaching Raven Rocks and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views.
🥾 The Priest (Tyro)
Don't underestimate this challenging 9.0-mile out-and-back. More than 3,000 feet of climbing leads to a rocky overlook with expansive vistas that reward every step.
🥾 Cole Mountain (Buena Vista)
This 6.3-mile loop features a spectacular grassy summit offering nearly 360-degree views. Pair it with the 6.5-mile Mount Pleasant circuit hike for an unforgettable day.
🥾 Mount Rogers (Mouth of Wilson)
Follow the Appalachian Trail across high-elevation forests and open balds on this 9.0-mile hike to Virginia's highest peak, where wild ponies are often spotted nearby.
🥾 Buzzard Rock (Damascus)
This lesser-known 4.8-mile AT hike traverses grassy balds and rocky ridges before reaching Buzzard Rock, where panoramic mountain views stretch for miles and miles.
Hiking with Kids Virginia (available on Amazon)
📚 Make Every Hike a Family Adventure
Virginia is full of waterfalls, scenic vistas, tidal marshes, and mountains just waiting to be explored.
Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families highlights 50+ kid-friendly trails across the state, complete with full-color photos, maps, and details on distance, difficulty, and terrain.
Each hike is designed to keep children engaged, curious, and excited about the outdoors.
I might be biased, but this book is a must-have for your next family adventure!
Molly’s Knob at Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia
3 Knob Hikes That Deliver Big Views
I’ll just say it. Knob hikes are pretty cool, and Virginia has more than a few of them. You know, Bald Knob, Strickler Knob, McAfee Knob. So many good ones worth the climb.
Off the top of my head, I can name at least 10 knob hikes. Here are three that serve up some seriously memorable mountain views.
⛰️ Molly’s Knob (Marion)
This steep but short 1.7-mile hike climbs to one of Virginia's best overlooks. Relax on the summit benches and enjoy views across Hungry Mother Lake. Here’s a preview.
⛰️ Chestnut Knob (Burke’s Garden)
This 2.8-mile out-and-back leads to a historic stone Appalachian Trail shelter and spectacular views overlooking Burke's Garden. Sunrise is especially rewarding.
⛰️ Strickler Knob (Luray)
This 5.8-mile hike features rock scrambles, ridgeline vistas, and expansive summit views across the Shenandoah River and Massanutten Mountain.
Virginia Summits (available on Amazon)
📚 Reach New Heights with Virginia Summits
Virginia’s most breathtaking views are waiting at the top.
Virginia Summits: Hiking 40 Stunning Peaks guides you to the state’s best summit hikes, from iconic climbs like Old Rag to lesser-known high points, like Terrapin Mountain.
With full-color photos, maps, and detailed trail info, this guide helps you plan unforgettable peak experiences.
If you love big views and rewarding climbs, this book belongs in your pack.
Twin Lakes State Park in Green Bay, Virginia
State Park Hikes This Weekend
Many Virginia State Parks host ranger-led hikes on weekends. Most programs are free, though standard parking fees may apply.
Friday (7/10)
Kiptopeke: Life and Times of Kiptopeke Hike, 3–4 p.m.
Natural Bridge: Lookin' for Lightning Bugs Sunset Walk, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel: Birding and Wildlife Trail Hike, 9–10 a.m.
Sweet Run: Firefly Frenzy Guided Hike, 7:30–9 p.m.
Twin Lakes: Backyard Bingo Nature Walk, 1–2 p.m.
Widewater: Black Light Night Hike, 8–9:30 p.m.
Saturday (7/11)
Claytor Lake: Tree ID Hike, 6–7 p.m.
Douthat: Step Back in Time History Walk, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Fairy Stone: Mayo River Trail Hike, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Grayson Highlands: Sweet Fern o' Mine Guided Hike, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mason Neck: Hike for the Love of Hiking, 8–10 a.m.
Sweet Run: Firefly Frenzy Guided Hike, 7:30–9 p.m.
York River: Living Shoreline Trek, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sunday (7/12)
York River: Living Shoreline Trek, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
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